Traveling with Kids: 0/10 Do NOT Recommend!

My babies have been on 8 flights in their lives and they are only 1 & 2.

If you have ever traveled with kids at all, you know I am not saying this as a 'flex', but truly I am in disbelief that I have dragged these little guys across the country with me that many times. 

I remember the year before I started having kids, my goal to myself was to travel more and when I got pregnant only a few months later I thought that dream was over. Fast forward to 2023 and these guys are actually getting easier to travel with. 

Now, don't get me wrong, the title is very true. I do not recommend traveling with kids. Unless you enjoy dirty looks, stains everywhere, food everywhere, changing diapers mid-flight, and have 0 plans on sleeping the entire time, then maybe you would enjoy it!

The only benefit I can take from it is that I love to see their little faces looking at the window when we take off and land. This last time especially. Their eyes lit up at all the lights on all the buildings and I just loved that.

Some recommendations I can give for flying with kids:

1. There are no rules on travel days. Give them all the screen time, snacks, food, and juice they desire. Be careful with juice though, if your flight is long because you will be changing that diaper in the air. Trust me.
2. Download their shows to ALL your devices/tablets. All flights do not have wifi and even if your flight does, it will be your luck that something won't connect. I cannot stress this enough! Download! Those! Shows!
3. Night time flights are the best I have found when traveling with younger kids. It's already their bedtime, so they are more relaxed and not trying to get out the seat every 3 seconds. If you get them comfy enough they will go to sleep and give you some peace and quiet, which is truly the only goal! Night time flights are just it for me!
4. Bring their carseat for the plane ride. Now, I forgot this on my last flight and was kicking myself the whole way. The carseat was a game changer. It will seem like a lot to lug around the airport, but you will reap the benefits when you get a few hours of your child entertaining theirselves in THEIR seat.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes TSA and flight attendants offer help, but other times they don't. Do not be afraid to ask them for assistance if needed, if you see they are not busy. If you are traveling with more than 1 child by yourself, you will need some assistance at some point.

That's all that I can think of, but I will add more if any come to me. Now, after my recommendations, will I still travel with my kids? Absolutely. Will it be awful....possibly. Will I make that the reason that I don't travel with them again? Nope. In my head I am setting the foundation for some well traveled young men and THAT makes it a little worth it to me.